Program Initiatives
Overview of the ACE Program
Rikkyo University’s Organization for Global Initiatives has responsibility for implementing the ACE Program, with the participation of the College of Business, the College of Intercultural Communication, and the Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP).
The students that were enrolled and selected by the individual colleges or by GLAP, and who it has been decided will be able to participate in the ACE Program (hereinafter referred to as “ACE Program students”) undertake one year (two semesters) of overseas study at partner universities, as well as winter and summer intensive programs, the taking of classes at partner universities through online study after returning to Japan, and study to enhance their language skills (including English, Chinese and Korean). While participating in the ACE Program, the ACE Program students receive financial support, including a monthly scholarship, travel expenses, and payment of fees associated with enhancing their language skills (Chinese and Korean).
The ACE Program comprises the seven core blocks listed below (Core Block 1 to Core Block 7). In principle, ACE Program students take all seven core blocks. After completing the specific core blocks, those students that have obtained the required number of credits are awarded a certificate of completion of the Asian Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies (ALIS) international joint minor.
Core Block 1 Intensive language learning, and taking of foreign language examinations (in English, Chinese and/or Korean) offered by external examination providers, after it has been confirmed where the student will undertaking overseas study
During the period before undertaking overseas study as exchange students, those ACE Program students who have previously studied Chinese and/or Korean undertake intermediate or advanced level study (at CEFR B1 level or above) through the foreign language teaching provided by Rikkyo University’s general education language teaching program, and aim to achieve a continued improvement of their foreign language abilities. Those ACE Program students who have not previously studied Chinese and/or Korean undertake intensive language study, or undertake online learning, in the spring semester before traveling overseas, and are provided with an opportunity to take the Chinese Proficiency Test (or the HSK test), and/or the Korean Proficiency Test (or the TOPIK test). In principle, the university pays all expenses associated with this language learning and test taking. ACE Program students are also strongly urged to take part in the World Café and Language Exchange international exchange programs provided online by Rikkyo University’s International Office. By providing opportunities for peer engagement with fellow Rikkyo University students from different backgrounds, the aim is to stimulate an interest in the history and culture of the countries in question, and improve language skills, before the ACE Program student travels overseas to study.
Core Block 2 Overseas study as an exchange student for the first semester at Partner University A (involves travel overseas, and one semester of study, conducted in English)
ACE Program students undertake one semester of overseas study as an exchange student at one of the partner universities. The partner university in question provides classes (taught in English) that enable students to acquire one or more of the C6ubic Curriculum C1–C4 core skills, and students also have some opportunities to take classes taught in local languages (Chinese or Korean).
Core Block 3 Winter intensive program
ACE Program students take part in an intensive program run by one of the partner universities. During the winter, the students are provided with opportunities to share what they have learned during their exchange student experience, through special projects, guest lectures, presentations, etc.
Core Block 4 Overseas study as an exchange student for the second semester at Partner University B (involves travel overseas, and one semester of study, conducted in English)
ACE Program students undertake one semester of overseas study as an exchange student at one of the partner universities. The partner university in question provides classes (taught in English) that enable students to acquire one or more of the C6ubic Curriculum C1 – C4 core skills, and students also have some opportunities to take classes taught in local languages (Chinese or Korean).
Core Block 5 Summer intensive program
ACE Program students take part in an intensive program run by one of the partner universities. During the summer, the students have opportunities to engage in cultural and academic exchange through language lessons in the local language of the host university, field trips, group discussions, etc.
Core Block 6 Third semester online learning provided by Partner University C
ACE Program students take online classes from the partner university where they did not study overseas in Core Blocks 2 and 4.
Core Block 7 Testing progress by having students re-sit language tests
Although a baseline level in Chinese and Korean is not set before ACE Program students travel to study overseas, the aim is for students to achieve Level 4 or Level 5 certification in the Chinese Proficiency Test (or the HSK test) and the Korean Proficiency Test (or the TOPIK test) after completing the one-semester periods of overseas study as exchange students (Core Blocks 2 and 4).
Comprehensive student support systems, including a system for the mutual waiving of tuition fees
Regarding the expenses associated with studying overseas as an exchange student, a comprehensive range of student support systems has been put in place, including the adoption of a system for the mutual waiving of tuition fees, and having travel expenses, living expenses, and overseas study scholarships, paid by the university. It is anticipated that accommodation for students studying overseas will be arranged by each university.